Michael P. Westhead is a former Marine and founder of www.cutthroatcomedy.com

MSM supports a healthy digestive system and helps calm nerves too. I personally use it to help fight depression. Even though most of research being done on MSM is for pain relief, many people have noticed that it really does make you feel in a better mood and has a calming effect on nervous system. I also take it for pain in my hand and wrist due to typing and using mouse. I always take it before and after I go to gym for a workout. It has been known to help for post exercise soreness.

In its purest organic form it looks like white crystals, similar in size to white sugar crystals but slightly flatter so is sometimes referred to as flakes. It's very important to only take a pure form of MSM. Be careful what type you buy. Cheaper isn't always better when it comes to health supplements. I only take OptiMSM as it's tested by a third party to be 99.9 percent pure. You can get more information about OptiMSM at http://www.findustuff.com/info/optimsm.html.

I take at least four 1,000mg capsules every day. Research has shown that MSM is as safe as water so I do take more when needed. Also It is very inexpensive.

So if you're hesitant to take prescription drugs for pain you might want to give MSM a try but always consult with your doctor first before stopping any medication you may be currently taking.